Sundae Sweet

Concert Date Night

2012-02-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

I love Date Night! Sophie got involved this time, helping me pick my outfit and joining me for makeup. (note -- she did not actually go out of the house looking like this, but I didn't mind allowing her a little supervised creative expression). Doesn't it feel good to get dressed up, accessorized and perfumed for a night out sometimes?!

My Christmas present to Mister was two tickets to Brad Paisley at the Maverik Center a few weekends ago, and I'm glad he chose to use his Plus One on me (wink)! Our seats weren't bad, but they were seats, so we got a little jealous of the revelry closer to the stage on the floor. We know all his songs, after all, so we were in the mood to party! Lo and behold, I saw an employee handing out spare floor tickets, and I ran after him to get some! Score!

Turns out, we were placed near the sound booth, where Kimberly Williams-Paisley (of Father of the Bride) watched the show with her special guest, "Cam" from Modern Family. Even better, partway through the show, Mr. Brad walked through the crowd to a mini-stage right next to us! See how many people are between me and the stage? One -- a security dude. So fun!

Also loved opening acts, The Band Perry and this cute little dude...

What a blast! Made me feel young again, certainly reminded me how much I love to spend time with my husband. Oh my goodness! Speaking of reminders -- guess who showed up in sparkles for the duet "Remind Me"? Yup, Carrie Underwood! Wow, she's beautiful and such a good singer!

The only other time I've seen Brad Paisley live was a totally different experience. I was homesick living in New York City, and there wasn't even a country music station on the radio to comfort me. A small ad in a local paper mentioned Paisley would be performing for only a cover charge at a little dive, so I rounded up a few fellow interns (and our faculty advisor!) and we went. There were maybe only fifty people at the show, and I remember he introduced a song he wrote for his new girlfriend who was there with her parents -- Kimberly Williams.

I've also seen Scotty McCreery live, an event I've never journaled but really ought to, from the balcony of the American Idol stage last May with these gals --

My Magnum Opus

2012-01-12T00:12:00.000-08:00

"What is that nifty little thing? Did you make it?"
"I did indeed," replied Charlotte in a weak voice.
"Is it a plaything?"
"Plaything? I should say not. It is my egg sac, my magnum opus."
"I don't know what a magnum opus is," said Wilbur.
"That's Latin," explained Charlotte. "It means 'great work.' This egg sac is my great work- the finest thing I have ever made."
-- Charlotte's Web, E.B. White

There once was a wise, gentle spider who did great things. Miraculous things, like spinning pronouns into a web, eventually bringing great notoriety to her barnyard and saving her friend from becoming bacon. Funny thing is, by the end of this children's classic dedicated to Charlotte's magical feat that no spider has ever done before and will probably never do in the future, she admits she has created a work of art even greater. Her magnum opus: her children.

I guess you could say I've spun words into webs myself, given my profession. Probably no life-saving miracle words like Charlotte, but I suppose not the kind of garbage Templeton rips from a box of soap flakes, either. And like that sweet spider, the finest things I have ever made are my two daughters.

Art takes many forms -- sculpture, architecture, music, fashion. Not all great creators will paint on the canvas of parenthood. And plenty of geniuses (Michelangelo, da Vinci, Picasso) have made masterpieces across multiple disciplines. It's just, for me, motherhood is my medium of choice.

Simply, I love being a mom. In The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, inspirational author Jack Canfield guides people to fulfilling their destiny, using the stories of those who have made millions of dollars or landed their dream home or finally bought a yacht or lost double-digit pounds. As I read it now, all I can think about is how my great dream, where I really want to be, the picture of my ultimate life, my grandest achievement, is standing beside -- no, embracing -- a beautiful, wholesome, smart, happy, unified, strong family. That's my vision of success.

After all, in the Passion chapter, Canfield says: "No doubt you know or have met people who are passionate about life and enthusiastic about their work. They can't wait to get up in the morning and get started. They are eager and energetic. They are filled with purpose and totally committed to their mission. This kind of passion comes from loving and enjoying your work. It comes from doing what you were born to do. It comes from following your heart and trusting joy as a guide. Enthusiasm and passion come as a result of caring about what you do. If you love your work, if you enjoy it, you're already a success."

I'm committed to being an elite network news producer. I aim to be a great friend, a fine designer, an exceptional sister and a decent baker. By admitting motherhood is my most beautiful work, I'm not suggesting other areas of my life are not important, too. Motherhood is not a distraction; it is like a highlighter to the pages of my biography, adding color and brightness to all I do.

Laundry is lame, ear infections are evil, and grocery store tantrums stink. so. super. bad. I have hard days. I've been exhausted for nearly six years straight. Still, watching my children master a new skill or demonstrate kindness even when it is difficult or ask to read the same book over and over at bedtime -- those are like beautiful brush strokes to me.

I may not master my craft. I doubt I'll win a special award at the county fair. There's no gallery in Manhattan that will hang my work on a blank white wall. But maybe, hopefully, a few people will see that I have discovered what I love, followed my passion and created something I am proud of.

Resolve 2012

2012-01-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

The tradition of celebrating the New Year at the cabin has become pretty tender to us. We love "escaping" to the quiet simplicity of nature in the wintertime. As in years past, the girls spent much of their free time being free -- playing out in the snow, building puzzles, watching old Disney flicks, playing kitchen, working on craft projects. Michael built a fire every day. I practiced new recipes.

We intended on a brief trip, but discovered a leak that required a full day's work from Michael and a long drive to the nearest town for hardware supplies, so we were stuck an extra day and night and portion of the following day. We made the most of our trek to town; I made an irreverent obstacle course of construction cones for the girls in Lowe's while Daddy hunted in the plumbing aisle, and we purchased a sled. On the winding roads back to the cabin, we stopped to snap a real live bald eagle not twenty yards from us.

We made a simple little party of New Year's Eve (note to self: next year, remember the sparkling cider and party hats/blowers), eating homemade cheese pizza while we each recorded 3 goals and 3 predictions for 2012 and reflected on the goals and predictions of previous years. This has become a routine we really look forward to.

With the three goals, I usually choose one New Year's Resolution as my focus. I keep this resolution simple, with a delicate balance of intense personal stretching and the potential that I might actually do it. I also want it to become a life habit, not just a year-long affair that gets dumped when Dick Clark's next broadcast comes back around. Last year's goal to ride in Little Red was completely thwarted because the race sold out in moments, so I'm bummed about that one, but that was out of my human control.

A few months ago, inspired to learn more from the man who married us, Elder Joe J. Christensen, I came upon one of his BYU addresses called Resolutions. Wow, so good. I have read it about eight times. I'm also re-reading The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, and though it has one or two suggestions that don't fit with my personality, nearly every page has some choice ideas for improving myself and my station for the most noble of purposes.

This year, I chose as a New Year's Resolution to adopt an old adage. Seriously considered "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away," but finally committed to:

Early to bed and early to rise makes a (wo)man healthy, wealthy and wise.

By someone's calculations on the almighty Facebook, if I wake up just a half hour earlier each day, I'll have 7 1/2 extra waking days in 2012. I'm willing to give that a shot. I figure with better sleep, I'll be more productive, organized and fit. Happy, too. Well, not at the moment my new alarm goes off. After that.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2011!

We are busy preparing for the Martin family to come into town by wrapping gifts and assembling food. We've got holiday radio humming and a peppermint ice cream recipe to try. Our Paperwhites are peeking from their bulbs and we spent last Family Evening at a showing of Arthur Christmas. There are plans to tour the city hunting for light displays. Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year!

Tour de NorCal

2011-12-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

Home, back home
Where the memories all have gathered up and
Slowly turned to gold
And I carry them along with me wherever
I may go

("Home," Tim McGraw)

My happy place is at a particular bend in the road near the top of Sonora Pass, pictured above. Luckily, after many years away and probably many more until my return, I was able to go to my happy place for the first time with my girls.

We spent a day in Tuolumne County, joined by my sister and two of my brother's blondies. First stop: Cover's Apple Ranch, the place famous for Mile High Apple Pies.

Next: Columbia State Park, a Gold Rush boomtown turned ghost town turned popular tourist attraction turned sorta ghost town again. Luckily, though the stagecoach rides and horses are no longer running on weekdays, Nelson's Candy Shoppe was open and stocked with dark chocolate honeycomb.

Oh, yeah! It was in the parking lot we got the call from Tommy -- he's headed to Mexico City for his mission! In his honor, we had some fantastic California-style Mexican food on the main drag in downtown Sonora.

The next day, we took a drive I know so well, a maze of country roads and valley freeways connecting my hometown to "the city." We stopped at the farmer's stand on Jack Tone Road; the girls loved gathering a load of funky gourds and running through varied species of pumpkins.

On to San Francisco, which is so familiar to me because my grandpa grew up there nearly a century ago. We were thrilled to find out the awesome last minute online deal was right at Fisherman's Wharf. Like, we woke up to these guys barking every morning...

The Sea Lions on Pier 39 were, without a doubt, Kiddo's highlight. We were also just steps from sourdough chowder bowls at Boudin.

Call us brave or crazy, but besides a few trolley jaunts, we used the local metro to get around town. Boy did we stick out, toting our two little singing girls and a sparkly clean orange stroller, particularly since our regular route ran straight through Chinatown and the ride to the stadium covered some varied SF territory. We got pretty good at it. And, it was fun.

Speaking of transportation, we rented bikes one day to ride from the Wharf across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. A fun way to take it all in. Michael pulled Millie in a trailer, and I had Soph on a tandem.

I gave up on getting a cute, posed shot of the girls and the bridge so I just told them to "jump!"

Then, there was the Utah v. Cal football game at AT&T Park (I insist on calling it Candlestick) right near the bay. It was a bummer game, but we made the most of it. That's all.

Our Tour de NorCal covered it all! We were even in an earthquake (4.2!) at dinner on the seventh story of a Union Square skyrise. I remembered the drills we did in elementary school in which we climbed under our desks for protection. We did miss visiting a few old friends, but that just means you'll have to come visit us!

Press Credential

2011-12-02T23:05:00.000-08:00

Press credentials are like a reporter's backstage pass, ID cards on a lanyard with a generic photo and network information that prove we belong behind the figurative (and occasionally, literal) curtain. I've got a whole stack of them in my office, swinging casually from the doorknob, ready to grab when I go out on assignment. I recently happened upon one I hadn't noticed before. Apparently, Kiddo wanted credentials of her own. Must've been hoping it would get her special access at Disney on Ice.

All She Wants

2011-11-10T21:06:00.000-08:00

For those on Reader, there is a video attached.

Our Kiddo had two teeth pulled this morning -- her first babies to kick the bucket. She had an adult tooth growing in behind, so her Uncle/Doctor Scott advised us that it was time to say goodbye. We prepped by checking out The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss at the library. She was outwardly brave, but quietly admitted some fear, about the whole ordeal. She brought her blankie, and laid it close to her heart for emotional support. Afterwards, all she said was "Owie." She showed her new gap all over the Kindergarten playground this afternoon, and quickly became the class celebrity.

Thinking the circus looked like fun, Millie wanted "her turn" and independently hopped right into the chair while Sister was digging through the treasure box. An unplanned first trip to the dentist, she willingly opened up and had her teeth counted.

So once I'm done with all this silly typing, I'm going to play Tooth Fairy (shhh). When my little one wakes up, she'll find a trail of glitter "fairy dust" from her windowsill across her bed to her pillow, where she'll unearth a couple of bucks and two itty bitty sprinkled cake bites from Sweet Tooth Fairy. Oh, the magic!

Halloween

2011-11-08T22:58:00.000-08:00

I talk about Halloween all year, dreaming up costume ensembles for four and how I might pull it all together. This year was a little different; Sophie decided early on she wanted to be Supergirl and Millie kept saying "Princess Pony." I could have fought the mutiny, but I decided to let go and let my girls be what they wanted to be. We even bought their costumes at Target, but I added a few embellishments (pride).

The school costume parade

Visiting the great grandmas

We also went to Tom and Jenni's for their scone party, and trick or treated in their neighborhood with Allie but no pics. Too caught up in the fun, I think. So, on to dreaming about next year...

Catch and Release

2011-10-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Because finally, I had a good fishing season on the Green.*

* Of course, I didn't do any of the rowing.

Annual Photos

2011-10-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am about to be that girl -- if I wasn't already -- that shamelessly shares an entire load of photographs of her ridiculously gorgeous (she thinks) children from their annual birthday photo sitting. Emphasis on: shameless. I simply cannot apologize for showing off that which I am most proud, my kids. I am happy to be their mom, and grateful to my BFF and talented photographer Jenni who so beautifully captures the best part of my life. So, *eh*.

We picked an afternoon this summer to meet in a neighbor's peach orchard and brought a few symbolic props. The chair is from our kitchen set, handed down from Michael's grandmother, and I wanted some photographs of them before they are refinished. Also, I wanted to capture Sophie's entrance into academia (Kindergarten), so I bought the vintage blue desk on KSL and brought the Penguin cloth-bound books, pencils, etc from home.

THING TWO

THING ONE

Sophie Names Her Children

2011-09-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Sophie wants to be a mom when she grows up. This has been a consistent and unprompted response to "What do you want to be when you grow up?" since she was itty bitty. Yesterday, as we walked home from church after her primary program, she made her plans more specific.

"I want to be a mom with four girls and four boys," she said, as she showed me with two hands. I wanted to tell her how crazy and exhausting that sounded, but I bit my tongue, so as not to crush her dreams. "And I know what I want to name them, too."

Here's how it breaks down...

GIRLS: Shylit, Noggins, Allison and Millie
BOYS: Thomas, Roberto, Michael and FoulGroan

Movies I Want My Girls to See

2011-09-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

"My father used to say that if we ever had the money you have,
we would eat steak and ice cream three times everyday!"

We invited a couple little buddies over this afternoon to watch the Hayley Mills classic, "Pollyanna." This is part of my new effort to expose my daughters to films (mostly old musicals) I checked out regularly from our local library and inhaled as a kid. I don't want to leave any out, so here's a start for my "to check out (or maybe even own)" collection. Suggestions?

Pollyanna (Mills)
Newsies
Annie
Parent Trap (Mills)
Swiss Family Robinson
Music Man
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (I had forgotten the main character is Milly!)
Little Women (Hepburn and Danes/Ryder versions)
Oklahoma!
Wizard of Oz
Mary Poppins
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Sound of Music
Funny Girl
Fiddler on the Roof
The King and I
Singing in the Rain
My Fair Lady
South Pacific
The Unsinkable Molly Brown
Hello, Dolly!
Summer Magic
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Absent-Minded Professor

Kindergarten!

2011-08-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

OH!

THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on your way up!

You'll be seeing great sights!

You'll join the high fliers

who soar to high heights.

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!

There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...

be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray

or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,

you're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!

Toes in the Sand

2011-08-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

The beach beckoned us this summer -- and we answered! Our little foursome met up with a group neighbor families for a sandy, sunny week at Newport Beach. We shared a condo with two other young, superfun families, seven kidlets under five years old in a four bedroom space! The tiny cast:

Sophie

Millie

Henry

Wynn

Jacob

Addy

Jack

I was presented with a four-pak of Sprinkles cupcakes on the beach from some favorite ward members the morning of my birthday. Could it get better?! It did! Our little gang traipsed to The Crab Cooker for a celebratory meal. Then, we stroller derbied to Seaside Donuts for chocolate with sprinkles (I think we actually did this every day of the trip). Awesome!

Most days, we just headed to the sand and stayed there. Sophie logged the most hours on the beach by far -- whenever anyone in our group headed back for a nap or food or anything, she chose to stay by the water. The first moment we hit the sand, our genius friend Matt started digging an intricate system of tunnels, which was the key to a successful week -- the kids loved digging and filling with sand, plus the tunnels were deep enough to corral the little ones. Then, it was all PLAY!

Our cute neighbor, Annie

When we weren't on the beach, here's how we kept entertained:

attended church with our dear friends, the Nelsons, where Andrew serves as Bishop. They so graciously had us over for dinner and catching up after.
hit the Rainbow sandals outlet in San Clemente.
after the kids pooped out (thank heavens we traveled with other early-bedtimers), the grownups stayed up superlate playing Scum overandoverandover. We were also joined by our babysitter and YW, Devin, who was staying a few doors down.
the guys went golfing.
one night, the grownups got a sitter and went out for fresh sushi and a stroll on the pier.
the dads created a fort in the living room.

One day, we broke off from the crowd and hitched up the tandem and trailer to the bikes for a family ride across the ferry to Balboa Island, where we window shopped and devoured the awesomest (yeah, it is a word) chocolate covered Balboa Bars and bananas. Also hit the carnival rides at the pier.

General consensus: SO glad we did it! A week of lasting memories, and more than a few pics for my girls' wedding flashback video!

Where We've Gone

2011-08-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Eeeks! Where has the summer gone?! I dunno, but I do know where we have gone: the cabin. Because we take off many weekends, this means we don't get as much blogging done or other family members visited or chores accomplished, but knowing how genuinely happy my little family is in this special place makes it difficult to drag them anywhere else but our paradise. Still, by summer's end, I'm exhausted!

The girls have loved riding the tube behind the boat. Only minor hesitations about speed occasionally. One weekend, we tie dyed t-shirts on the back lawn -- the girls were proud of the results (note: will never tye-die without squirt bottles again; it was so much tidier than dipping in buckets like Girl Scout Camp circa 1988).

We were around when Dutch John hosted their Independence Day festivities, with a pancake breakfast (Mister and I rode our bikes there!) and wagon rides and a petting zoo. We staked a spot for fireworks early, and Mister entertained the littles with toddler-appropriate card games and bubbles. In real small town style, there were mule rides instead of ponies, Millie's first ride in a saddle. While on the subject, Sophie has gone to visit the horses at Red Canyon a few times this summer, made friends with sweet Wayne the One-Toothed Cowboy, and rode on the trail on the requested paint horse.

This last pic isn't our kid, obviously. He belongs to Michael's sister. I just couldn't pass up documenting the bed + boat hair.

Supergirl!

2011-08-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Jenni Howell Photography

Five Were Wise

2011-08-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

Five of Them Were Wise by Walter Rane

While Sophie attended a summer program at Ballet West Academy, I found myself downtown one Monday with a solitary hour. I almost just sat there in my car and waited, maybe read the news on my smartphone or called a friend to catch up. Instead, I wiggled a couple blocks north of Capitol Theater to the LDS Conference Center and joined up on a tour of the building. I've been in the building many times, and I go specifically for the artwork -- all original, varied, inspiring works. This time, I was drawn to "Five of Them Were Wise" by Walter Rane, with the accompanying description:

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is about those who have already accepted the invitation to follow the bridegroom -- Christ. To have accepted the invitation is not enough; they must be in a constant state of preparation and readiness. Walter Rane has painted a classic representation of the substance of the scriptural passage. (Matthew 25)

It reminded me of this piece by one of my favorite artists, J. Kirk Richards:

The Five Prepared by J. Kirk Richards

I hadn't read this story in some time, so I used the paintings as a springboard for my next Sunday scripture study. This story, and its message of ever-readiness, is sometimes overwhelming to me, because I don't know which five I'd end up with. I don't know that I'll ever feel my lamp is full. I'm always trying, wondering if the little I can do won't add up to complete. In my car accident, one thought in my mind was "There's still more I must do!" This nugget from Spencer W. Kimball helped put the story into perspective for me:

“Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps.” President Spencer W. Kimball

And so I'll continue -- drop by drop.

We love...

2011-08-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

... Megan!

That's all.

Rapunzel Birthday Party

2011-07-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

There was no discussion, no himming or hawwing, about what type of birthday party my long-haired little girl wanted. Rapunzel's Tangled. Period. Done.

We stuck to the purple and gold theme like the film, with splashes of pale pink. Above, the entry to our home with a homemade banner that mimics the one in Rapunzel's towne square, with a note on our wreath directing little guests to our backyard. I made a coordinating "Happy Birthday" banner that hung between our garage and back porch, but I don't have a good photo of it. We hung pale yellow rectangular lanterns from purple ribbons on our tree in front and the porch in back.

One of the great elements of Tangled is the artwork, so we tried to inject that into the party. As guests arrived, they covered our driveway with their sidewalk chalk creations, much like the little girls at the local celebration in the show. They got really into it!

Three of my gorgeous nieces, who I swear could pass for Disney princesses themselves, traveled to the party to braid and decorate every girl's hair.

For the hair station, I set out plenty of bobby pins and rubber bands plus a tulle and ribbon hair flower for each guest as a favor. I also picked up purple brushes at the dollar store so each girl could take one home, plus I wanted to avoid brush sharing between girls. After braids, every girl got a plastic tiara similar to the one made famous in Tangled, all piled in one of my handbags that amazingly resembles Flynn Rider's leather satchel in the film.

Naturally, during all of this, the guys were beyond giddy.

Actually, we did have a token few little boy buddies who came, so instead of tiaras they went home with foam swords I'd like to think the ruffians might have carried.

Purple frosted cupcakes were displayed in iron skillets. Get it?! They were flanked by vases with floating golden day lillies from our garden that resembled the famous flower from the show. I don't have a great shot of the actual birthday cake, frosted in purple with a yellow frosting braid that wove across the top.

I like a little "calm" time at a kids party. The kids had art time, with coloring pages I printed from Disney. Rapunzel herself even showed up to read the girls "Rapunzel's Amazing Hair," a cute rhyming picture book. To be honest, Megan in a kid's Tangled wig was stretching it as Rapunzel, but the kids totally bought it, all competing to wiggle next to her for the photos.

Another hit with the littles was this game we made up -- Pin the Nose on Flynn Rider.

So, um, that's it. Blog little Boo's birthday party: check! Kiddo was so totally happy with her day, and I think her friends were, too. I'd do it all over again (and probably will) for such a great little girl!

BTW, anyone want this stuff? I paid good money and spent lots of time for the lanterns and ribbons and Flynn Rider poster and the banners and stuff, I'd hate for it to go to waste. Contact me if you're interested. I'd love for it to go to a good home and make more little girls very happy.

Quite Contrary

2011-07-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Some people have a back forty; I've got a back decimal point. But it doesn't matter how big or small, it is what you do with the space. I love my back decimal point, a plot of land tucked between the back of our garage and the wood fence that separates us from neighbors on two sides. This is my patch of country in the city. This is my garden.

Here, my mid-summer journal with some hastily snapped iPhone photos.

Last year was our very first attempt at gardening edibles, and I've decided I need to keep track of growth, successes and failures. Besides occasional questions to my gardening friends and a google search every once in a while, I'm just figuring it out as I go. I should get more studious about this. Mister and Sophie made three great raised beds measuring 4x6, and I've used surrounding earth for overflow and larger plants.

Last year I ordered three varieties of pumpkins (Fairytale, a white Casper, and a grey/green Jarrahdale) from one of Martha Stewart's favorites, Homestead Seeds. Only the Jarrahdale produced last year, but I planted quite late. This year, because they're heirlooms, I tried them again. Jarrahdale was a bust, but one of the Caspers and two of the Fairytales are winding through the empty dirt paths. I planted a whole month earlier this year, in mid-May.

I tried broccoli this year, experimenting with both seed and seedlings, because my family loves to eat it so much. Survey says... probably not a repeat. Why? This is silly, but it is hard to clean all the little grooves, so I'm paranoid we're eating invisible bugs.

Herbs: I've planted thyme, rosemary, green onions, dill and chives. I love the funky purple flowers and soft spikes on the chives so much, I may just add them to my flower beds instead next time. Mister has his own Chimichurri garden in containers on the back porch with two types of parsley, rosemary, thyme and basil. We have two pretty purple sage in our flower beds.

Our new favorite: Peas! I accidentally overseeded, which was fortunate, because the girls and I snap these off as snacks every day! Next year -- MORE!

The strawberries are back with a fury again this year. So sweet, and constantly bearing. These are also integrated in our flower beds, and the plant keeps expanding. The only trouble is we toss half to the birds, because the slugs have beaten us to the berries.

We ended up with three zucchini plants last year, so I've pared down to one. My California friends are already haughtily posting their huge zuke pictures on facebook, but we're so much further behind with a shorter season due to the cold, all I have to show so far is a blossom or two. There's a spaghetti squash creeping behind, my only two squash this year (besides the pumpkins, of course).

I tried corn this year! I have about 8 plants in a patch of dirt, and about 8 more in a box. They're fun to watch, and we're getting little tufts from the ears. I want to try to plant earlier next year, then protect the little guys from snow and frost with milk cartons. I like this photo, because there's an abandoned kid's shovel sitting haphazardly in the corner, documenting all the hard "work" my girls contribute to the garden, namely digging dirt and making mud and crawling on the rocks.

My favorite addition this year is a home for the girls. We moved Millie's playhouse to the garden area, so they can play while I work. The house is surrounded by sunflowers, which have grown taller than the girls themselves!

FINAL INVENTORY:

potatoes
carrots
beets
peas
broccoli
artichoke
tomatoes
radishes
dill
rosemary
thyme
green onions
corn
eggplants
spaghetti squash
zucchini
pumpkins
strawberries

Mini Royalty

2011-07-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Sophie was crowned Mini Royalty for the Days of '47. The girls and boys were chosen in three age groups through a casual interview with the official royalty. Sophie was shy and adorable, swinging her cowboy boots under the chair and twirling her curls with her fingers. She was thrilled to get an autographed promo portrait of the royalty. They asked her what she liked to do in the summertime with her family and what was a good safety rule. When asked how she might help a friend, she said she'd get them a band-aid if they were hurt. And when they asked her about pioneers... silence, even though she had been singing "Pioneer children sang as they walked and walked and walked and walked" the whole car ride down to the fairgrounds!

As the winner of the 5-7 year old division, she earns the title of 2nd attendant to the queen, the winner of the oldest category. She was a little reserved when she went up to get her crown (bestowed by Megan). After, she whispered "Mom, I'm so happy I won!" She gets to ride on a fire truck in the Youth Parade in downtown SLC on Saturday (televised on KUTV2). She also won some goodies from Radio Disney, including the advance screening tickets to Winnie the Pooh, which we enjoyed as a family before Michael left for scout camp.

On the way home, it was just the two of us. "Mom, I have a great idea!" she said so innocently. "I could get pictures of myself, and since I know how to write my name, I could sign them and give them to kids just like the big royalty!" I just about snort-laughed. Love that kid.

I'll post more pics after the parade. Here is the Salt Lake Tribune piece, including a really cute little video, in which you see a snip of Sophie's interview and her little highness's royal coronation.

P.S. While we're talking princesses, I'm sorry -- I love Kate Middleton's style. The three-quarter sleeves, nude pumps, lace embellishments in cream and navy. I don't consider myself a "royal watcher." I haven't followed the events or interviews. BUT, I happened upon the What Kate Wore blog, which details her divinely preppy/classic/feminine outfits, and I've decided I fancy her modern fairytale look. So much more relatable to my own personal leanings than anything some crazy tinseltown celeb might be half-wearing at the moment.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

2011-06-12T22:41:00.000-07:00

Let the month of birthday festivities begin! Tonight, we celebrated the first Junebug birthday of the month -- our baby is turning two!

We partied with family at the Country Club summer BBQ on the patio. Nothing like ringing in Ano Dios with a classic Shirley Temple (or as the girls call it, pink sprite).

Millie is an adorable toddler, always up for a good time. She's got this silly sense of humor! The kid is at the super entertaining stage where she will try any word you challenge her to say, and parrots what others say. When we tell her "You're cute!" she dances around yelling "I'm cute! I'm cute!" She wants to do whatever Big Sister is doing; they make a sweet little team. She has a funny crush on our car, blowing it kisses in the parking lot, but hates being strapped in her seat. She's developing strong preferences, and the tantrums surface from time to time. Her favorite foods are pretty typical for her age, turkey and yogurt and chocolate milk. Still attached to blankies... and daddy.

Opened presents in the backyard after dinner. The big hit, promptly confiscated by the bigger kids, was a play newscaster set. Sophie reported on the strawberries, and predicted rain.

Since all our family's girl birthdays are in June, I thought I'd like to plan my flowerbeds to bloom this month. I need to remember to add more peonies. Look -- perfect timing!

The Power of Post-It Notes

2011-06-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

During the April 2011 General Conference, I was particularly touched by an address on the blessings of marriage by Richard G. Scott. He told a story about how his beloved wife treasured his silly little love notes. "When she passed away, I found in her private things how much she appreciated the simple messages that we shared with each other.... She not only kept my notes to her, but she protected them with plastic coverings as if they were a valuable treasure."

It really is the little things that make life magical. Mine are three inches squared.

Every so often, I get a surprise scribbled sticky note with words of affection or encouragement from my husband. It means more than just a scrap of paper to me. I know he's doing this so selflessly, because words are not his default love language. I document them today for nobody but me, because I never want to forget.

I found this one by the door knob when I was tiptoeing out the door for a 3 am call time for work.

Recently, when I was sick and asleep in bed, he snuck in and stuck these on the ceiling.

A little someone has been watching. She sees how much the notes mean to me, how I squirrel them away gently in a little drawer by my bed. The other day I found this treasure stuck on my night stand. I think I'll have it framed.

Muddy Memorial Day

2011-05-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day -- BBQs and boating and stuff, right? Nope. This year, we spent our long weekend at the cabin in the mud and snow! We didn't let it bother us too much, I guess. We went on a mud walk, and the coolest wildlife we spotted were some monster earthworms. We even took Sophie and her cousin fishing in the foggy snow. We didn't snag anything (obviously). Guess we'll wait for another weekend to get the boat out.

To the Zoo with Boo

2011-05-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Yay! My sister came to visit! The ticket was a birthday surprise to her from her husband so she could come see her niecers, but it felt like a gift just for me!

She did a lot of playing in the backyard and babysitting (thanks!). We had a one fun day watching animals, riding the carousel, and taking the train at the zoo.

We did a fair amount of Grandma visiting, too, particularly since it was Mother's Day weekend. We even brought her to one of Sophie's soccer games!

One day, driving home from the mall, we agreed that there wasn't anyone that quite knew the other's history, shopping tastes, and issues the way a sister does. We may not always see eye-to-eye (though we frequently do), but we just "get" each other anyway somehow. I like that kid.

Days of 47 Pageant

2011-05-15T23:26:00.000-07:00

Proving (yet again) that this magical girl can do anything well -- our niece, Megan, successfully competed in the Days of 47 Royalty Pageant.

The Days of 47 is a statewide celebration to commemorate the great entrance of the pioneers into Utah in 1847. It's kind of a big deal. There are months of really fantastic festivities, including parades and rodeos and religious services and kids fun days and luncheons and an art show and more, all leading to the 24th of July (the day B.Y. rolled into town). Really, lots of fun!

A Days of 47 Queen and court of attendants are selected only from qualified young women who are direct descendants of those original pioneers, and they spend months paying homage to their ancestors by telling their stories and inspiring others to learn from their sacrifices. There is usually quite a long line of royalty hopefuls, as there is some prestige to the appointment (they get to meet the prophet and dine with the governor, among others) and quite generous scholarships. Many girls compete year after year, and most who actually nab a spot in the royalty do so only after a second or third try, with the help of mentors.

This year the group was smaller than usual (30 or 40), but all extremely impressive in their own ways. Still, Megan looked so bright and composed in her interview suit, and she was fantastic on stage (even when the emcee asked her the wrong question -- something about tennis, which she knows nothing about!). I was extremely proud, particularly knowing how genuine and kind and graceful she is in real life. Ultimately, the judges were also impressed, and she was selected into the royalty with two other wonderful girls.

She's already begun doing some service projects, with many more appearances in coming weeks. We know she'll make a lovely princess!

"But, wait," you say. "Doesn't that dress look familiar?" Why, yes -- I wore it exactly ten years ago myself...

This is the third from our family -- Karen was the first of the Haigh line to be included in the royalty.

A Trip to the Mall

2011-05-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Or: "Why I Prefer to Shop Online"

Music Infusion

2011-05-04T23:07:00.000-07:00

I've become acutely aware of my uncoolness.

Exhibit A: my previous sentence -- so completely, shamefully uncool. I'm feeling less chicks-laugh-over-fancy-dinner-wearing-cute-heels flick and more family-vacation-gone-hilariously-wrong movie. I am amused by how far behind I am, so I started by infusing my tired and outdated music collection.*

Haunted by the Grammy performance by Mumford and Sons, Mister picked up their album. So awesome! We blasted it in the backyard continuously today while digging and planting vegetable starts (See? I start to feel cool, then I type stuff like "while planting vegetable starts").

I also finally got two of the She + Him albums. So vintage, but feels current. And best of all, clean and fun.

* still accepting suggestions. Tell me: What should I try? What do you love? And I may be losing it, but I won't go Gaga.

** I realize to some, this post may prove I'm even more uncool than previously assumed. Shrug.

Grand America Easter Tea

2011-04-25T22:42:00.000-07:00

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.

~Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady

And so we went, my daughter and I. For her, instructions on becoming a lady. For me, a reminder that I am one. Her first "real" tea party, so only The Grand America Easter Tea would do.

Perched on fancy couches in our Easter finery, we ate tiny sandwiches (smoked salmon for me, strawberries and cream for her) and drank herbal tea (peppermint for both), all with our pinkies properly poised.

After selecting delicate treats from the gilded dessert cart, we finished our afternoon with some sight-seeing through the hotel. First stop: the tiny new sweet shop. Le Bonne Vie will be our stop for many special occasions in the future, I'm sure. It was gorgeous! The linens were crisp white, the decor was pretty pastel, and the sweets -- handmade gelato and artisinal chocolates -- so beautiful!

I begged my little one to allow me a few photos in the courtyard. I told her if she'd sit still and follow directions for just a few moments for mommy, she could have a party there someday after she gets married at the temple (sorry, honey -- guess that means overtime for you).

After a perfectly polite and proper afternoon, I succumbed. For those final moments, I let my little princess run wild.

Spring Break at the Cabin

2011-04-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

A colorful few days at the cabin for spring break -- the girls and I cooked and crafted and dyed Easter eggs while Mister shoveled and put together shelves. Altogether, we spent way too much time in our jammies. It was fantastic!

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

It has been a long day. Ergo, long post.

First, I love Easter. So fresh, so bright. I love the spring celebration, but mostly I love honoring the resurrection of our Savior. There aren't really photos to represent that most sacred part of our day -- taking the sacrament and listening to stories of Jesus at church. So, here's the rest.

THE SISTERS BASKET.

We experimented with a deliberate and special new tradition: we (ahem, the Easter Bunny) gave the girls one basket, with loot to share. We thought this might avoid excess and encourage sisterly sharing. I worried there might be some disappointment or confusion, but the girls loved it!

THE HUNT.

A quick and simple egg hunt in our backyard, between basket-digging and afternoon church, but right after bath time. Ready, Set, Go!

Cowboy Marc, Great Grandma Arlene and Grandma Peggy stopped by for a visit.

BUFFET AT THE CLUB.

The bunny stopped by during dinner at the Country Club. Sophie loved, Millie cried and screamed "buh-bye" from a clearly safe distance. We jogged off our dinner afterwards by chasing the girls and trying to take pictures.

One Day in LA

2011-04-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

Between princesses and thrill rides, we had a few "beyond Disney" moments in Southern California. With one day in LA, we first met up with Roberta (my professional mentor and personal dear friend) at the Santa Monica Pier. She took her Jewish Aunt title seriously, snapping tons of pictures of the kids and giving lots of smooches and telling stories sprinkled with Yiddish.

Next stop (naturally):

How great is this paparazzi shot? "Don't bother me -- I'm eating my Diddy."

Missing from this post: any pictures of our hours-long shopping marathon. Cause we don't have any. Cause I don't really want to relive it. Sure, we landed some great stuff, but gosh -- it was gruelling. Our poor children, so dragged around.

The Princesses of Disney

2011-04-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

THE DRESS

We let the girls pick one souvenir each trip, to allow them a token to treasure while avoiding playroom overflow. It has become a special tradition to watch the girls make a careful decision, weighing options throughout the week, then falling in love with that thing they choose to take home.

This year, there was no question from Day One: Sophie wanted a Tangled dress. She held out until the last day, partly due to availability of her size. Michael was so thrilled to track down the purple dress, then bring it to her in front of the fancy mirrors at the boutique in Sleeping Beauty's castle. Flash forward twelve years to prom!

When she posed in her lovely gown in front of the store, she started acting inexplicably uncomfortable. Apparently, Snow White's evil stepmother had been making mean faces behind my back as I snapped photos! At first, Sophie was naturally unsure of the visitor, but they quickly became friends.

Millie also chose a dress-up, with help from Daddy, an Ariel-themed tutu skirt. You can see her wearing it proudly as she visits the princesses in their little "home" tucked beside Small World.

THE BREAKFAST

For our character breakfast, we dined like royalty with Myra at the all-princess bash at Ariel's Grotto! After a meet and greet with our hostess, Ariel, we were served fancy fruits and pastries with eggs and bacon as our favorite ladies circled the dining room to say hello! Definitely doing this one again. It was all so perfectly lovely.

THE FAIRIES

Not exactly princesses, but where else do you file "fairies?"

Do you Photopass at Disneyland? It is the service in which you use the Disney photographers to snap your pics, then you buy the CD of images upon your return. We love Photopass-ing, particularly the little features like posing and adding Tink to the image later...

A fascinating thing happened, a cute little story for Millie. Apprehensive of the characters all week, she surprised us by immediately opening up to the blue "warmup" fairy at Pixie Hollow by running to her embrace. They could not be separated, playing hide and seek and telling stories. When it came time to meet Tink and Terrance (who took the role of fairy very seriously), she would have nothing to do with them, choosing instead to snuggle with her new best friend.

THE STAR OF THE SHOW!

Hair is a big deal in our house. Naturally, this makes Rapunzel a rockstar.

Disneyland Highlights 2011

2011-03-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

As with most vacations, we not only brought home fun souvenirs and tired girls, we also returned with hundreds of pictures. In fact, I haven't even seen all of them yet. Here, a few highlights, with more to come -- mostly for my journaling process, but as always, you are welcome to follow along...

California Adventure!
Under construction and off season -- they've got big plans.
Took the opportunity to pose by the bridge before it goes byebye.

Sophie was more outgoing with the characters this year.

Cousins

Me, my girl, some ice cream, and a trash can

Happy grandparents

Our other traveling companions: the Larsons

Sophie grew! Yippee!
We were so glad our ittybitty qualified for Soarin' Over California!

She loooooves scary rides. Here, her first time on Tower of Terror!
She also liked Thunder Mountain Railroad.

When I die, this will be one moment that flashes before my eyes.

This one, too. So happy.

Sophie was invited on stage during a show to perform a "silly face."

Our Handy Menny

Tired girl

On Small World, Sophie calls this doll her Little Sophie

Mommy and Daddy with Millie

Happiest Family on Earth

Very last moment in the park: the Disney photographer got a shot of Sophie and Daddy
at the very moment fireworks exploded behind them. Oh, the magic!

Again! Again!

2011-03-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

We said we were going to take a year off. Who were we kidding?!

Brace yourselves -- I'm about to round up our most recent Disneyland/SoCal visit with the in-laws.

This is Magic...

2011-03-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

... to me, anyway. Shot with my iPhone 4, using the video camera's reverse lens function, on the spinning ladybug ride in the Bug's Life area of Disney's California Adventure. Don't get dizzy...

I hope this video embed works...

Preschool Patriotic Program

2011-03-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

"Do you know what man's face is on the penny?" That was Sophie's line in the preschool patriotic program. But nobody besides me knows that, because she was too shy to say it into the microphone. As a woman who has made a career of speaking into microphones, should I be embarrassed? Nah. I think it is adorable!

Of course, she wore denim and cowboy boots -- so American! Each child told a story about their neighborhood (hers was about a little girl who goes to get ice cream; a hint to her parents, I think). Above, one of her favorite teachers, Loralee. Oh, and the kid to her right may look familiar -- that's last year's boyfriend, Andrew.

They sang about George Washington...

... and Abraham Lincoln.

There was also plenty of flag-waving.

Special guests included mom, dad, sister and Hansen grandparents.

Sophie Skis!

2011-03-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

You know when you're skiing down the mountain, fairly confident that you've finally snowplowed your way to that double green slope, feeling "the groove" as you (albeit tenderly) slalom your way to the mid-mountain lodge, when suddenly -- swoosh! Some stupid toddler whizzes past you at Bode Miller speed, sufficiently humbling you as she (you swear you can hear it) screams "neener neener!" Pretty soon, that could be my kid.

We signed Sophie up for Alta's "Learn to Ski" program for locals -- a series of four starter lessons with rentals. I mean, I'm raising Utah kids after all; they've got to know how to ski. As with most new things, at first she was quite cautious (even scared, she said).

Eventually, with the help of some great instructors, she learned to let go. Isn't it interesting to watch, from afar, as your child processes something new, then summons herself to try it? I was so pleased to watch Sophie take up something so intimidating, and then conquer it.

Well, conquer is strong word. She started by going down the bunny hill with a hula hoop. Still, by the end of her series of lessons, she had graduated to level 2 -- she can ski down by herself, turn back and forth through a series of flags, and ski backwards. Not quite a "neener neener" punk yet, but I have high hopes.

At the end of each (half)-day, she was pooped! But, as we were thrilled to hear, she wants to ski "again and again and again and again!"

Mister and I had big plans to ski ourselves while she was in her lessons -- to make a few dates of it. Instead, we took the baby up with us a couple of times, and the other times (due to illness and a scout snow camp) I took her up on my own and (obviously) took too many pictures.

Bucket List Update

2011-02-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

A year ago, Mister and I created a list of things we'd like to do before we die. Morbid or inspiring, you decide. We chose the latter, and have slowly (and mostly unconsciously) ticked a few items off our checklist.

Scratching off #6 was easier than expected. And more fun, too.

#5, in which Mister promised to visit all of the MWC stadiums may need editing, as his alma mater no longer belongs to the conference. I'm much more excited to visit the PAC-12 stadiums, primarily up and down California.

I forgot I put #40 (growing vegetables we actually eat) on the list, because I was too distracted this summer tending our new vegetable garden. We definitely ate our spoils, too, from carrot cake to beet salad to zucchini fritters, zucchini bread, steamed zucchini...

I'm working on #44 (compiling my grandmother's life history), diligently scanning and interviewing, but it is a TON of work. Fun and rewarding, nonetheless. This one will take a long time, I'm afraid.

We are still a few short of a round 50. What's on your list?

Mini Cheer

2011-02-17T21:23:00.000-08:00

Twice a year, the high school cheerleaders invite little neighbor girls to participate in a cheer workshop and perform at a varsity half-time. Lucky for us, we know and love many of these girls!

With one of our favorite babysitters, Emily

Claire, Sophie, Caroline and Lucy

She loves to learn the dances, but froze at half-time -- she was mistakingly separated from her friends, so she got a little confused

Sophie and Edie, sporting what is bound to be Gaga's next look

Grandma's "Heart Attack"

2011-02-17T21:10:00.000-08:00

As part of our Valentine's Day festivities, we snuck over to Great Grandma Arlene's place to "attack" her mailbox and door with hearts. The girls, particularly Sophie, were really excited. The baby is still grasping the "shhhh" concept, so her little girl giggles in the corridor tipped Grandma off, and we were caught!

It was all for the best, my girls decided, because Grandma invited us in for heart-shaped chocolate!

We had friends and family in and out of town all weekend, so did not plan a big romantic evening on February 14th. I was only disappointed for half a second, maybe even just a quarter, because I realized having no plans translated to unstructured time with my lovely girls and husband -- just what I really wanted anyhow! I threw together a candle-accessorized dinner (it would've been a candlelight dinner, but Soph got nervous and requested no flames -- funny, right?), then Michael and I watched a terrible Tom Cruise movie when the kids were asleep. Simple and perfect.

Valentine Photo Card for Suckers

2011-02-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

For a quick and easy Valentine's Day card for Kiddo's class, we turned a last minute snapshot in our snowy backyard...

... into this.

* Giving credit where credit's due: I remember the concept floating around last year, but couldn't remember where I saw it (Liz, maybe?). So, with only about an hour of baby's nap left to go, I made it up, based on my memory of "I think I've seen this somewhere before." As it turns out, my friend Marianne says she saw it here first.

Golden Globes Sleeves

2011-01-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

Awards season in Hollywood is just warming up. Over the course of a month or two, the celebs hit a series of red carpets in a row, as others note what they wear and who they show up with and who wins.

I stick to the classics, the Academy Awards and Grammys. But, in post-Golden Globes coverage, something caught my eye: sleeves. For women committed to dressing modestly, it was a bit of a victory -- what we've thought all along may actually be true: it is possible to be gorgeous, fashion-forward, glamorous, sophisticated and womanly (even hot) while maintaining a certain level of discretion. Applause!

Crossing fingers this trend will trickle down to department stores, where evening wear options are either supershort-bandeautop-powderypastel prom "dresses" or matronly-neutralshaded-waistlinehidden grandmother of the bride "dresses." At the very least, I'm pleased to have some lovely reference points for those who think dressing demurely is a total drag. It can be beautiful!

Thank you to my photo sources, primarily just jared.

New Year Kickoff at the Cabin

2011-01-11T21:59:00.000-08:00

Going to the cabin, particularly in the dead of winter, is like hanging a "Do Not Disturb" tag on the doorknob of life. We're so removed. Just us. Everything is so still.

I spent most of our quiet weekend trying new recipes, loving most and eliminating a few. The ones I'll keep are Barefoot Contessa's Confetti Corn and a biscotti recipe with cherries, pistachios and chocolate that I fashioned from a combination of several I dug up online. I made cranberry bread from a TJ's mix, but added an extra cup of real cranberries -- yummy for breakfast. I also worked on a few projects for my new church assignment, which I'll show and tell in an upcoming post (I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat).

Mister spent a fair amount of our trip shoveling snow and tending the fire. So masculine.

While the baby napped, Bug spent hours outdoors in the fresh glittery snow. Hours.

She laid in the snow.

She posed on the snow.

She threw snow up in the air. Repeatedly.

She ate the snow.

We didn't watch television all weekend; our satellite was out. However, we had plenty of little projects. One was this mammoth gingerbread girl that was fun to decorate but tasted like cr@%.

We packed lunches and went for a drive to see that the huge lake had layers of ice in spots, and the river was absent of fishermen. Less animal spottings than last year, though we happened upon six or seven wild turkey.

After so much baking (and tasting), I needed to move a bit, so I bundled up my entourage for a late afternoon walk. Mister and I worried about how the freezing temperatures might affect our spirits, and planned on an early retreat, but it turned out to be so much fun, nobody wanted to go back inside.

Before we left, I dug out the goals and predictions we created a year ago. We missed a few, but were eerily accurate with most. In creating our list for 2011, I had a renewed hope and motivation for the new year. Again, I was reminded how special it is to kick off another year in a place we love with our simple, little, loving family.

Until next time...

Fire Station VIP Visit

2011-01-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

My older brother is a hero. Not just my hero. He's saved people's lives and homes and children. Maybe even their cats up in trees, but I've never asked. My brother is a fire fighter and paramedic.

Except for his time as a medic for the Marines, which took him across the globe in peacetime and wartime, my brother has always been a firefighter. He started while he was still in high school, as a volunteer. It is what he's meant to be, and he's good at it.

Though we were only in town for a day and a half, I wanted to make sure I did something I've wanted to do for a long time: have him show us around the station. Since it was his day off and the other guys had left the station to go shopping, we (literally) had our run of the place.

It was a fascinating visit, with only his kids and ours, because we were able to ask lots of questions. He explained how important fitness was to his job, and how he helped negotiate with the union for required daily workouts. (How would you feel if the guy expected to pull you from a burning building couldn't drag his jiggly belly up the stairs?) He taught us about each rig in the large garage, and their specific funtions, from the truck that specialized in rugged wild fires to the one they bought from Southern California. He showed us the conference rooms and the room where they had their Christmas tree set up. He spoke of the generosity of the community, neighbors who have brought meals and gifts in support of their local life-savers. All this from the kid that used to (threaten to) beat me up. I was so impressed, so proud.

And with this special visit, he let us climb aboard a rig.

Once the kids crawled in the back, a surprise! My brother and hubby hopped in front, and we went for a (legal) spin!

The kids were ecstatic, and I was thrilled beyond belief. Could it get any more exciting?! YES! He sounded the siren!

Back at the station, a learning moment. He geared up and turned on his air and let the kids get good and close, explaining to them that when they're in trouble they shouldn't be scared of the big guys that come to their rescue. It was a monumental lesson for our kiddo, who was very shy to start, but warmed up when she realized it was her uncle's eyes she could see through the mask.

Extra bonus, the Uncle Firefighter Special. The kids got to try on his gear, the ultimate dress-ups! The baby just sank to the bottom of his pants; the top of his big boots were taller than her waistline.

Thank you, Uncle Martin, for the backstage pass. We realize this was the chance of a lifetime. We are so proud of you! We're so lucky to have you as our hero, and your community is lucky to have you as theirs, too.

Celebrate!

2010-12-31T14:23:00.000-08:00

Can you feel it? The verge of something new? We're feeling it here, and we're making noise while we're at it! Here's wishing 2011 is your very best year!

Last NYE, we spent a heavenly weekend at the cabin in hopes to make it a yearly tradition. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until next weekend to cozy up by the fire to reveal the predictions that I safely tucked behind a log twelve months ago. We'll take stock of those New Years Resolutions, too. And now, for this year's big announcement...

My 2011 Resolutions

* Little Red

* Write more -- for me

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays to our dearest friends and family!

It was a year of firsts for Millie (18 mos). She celebrated her first birthday and took her first steps! She also scored her first modeling gig, a national campaign for Naartjie. Atta girl.

Sophie (4 yrs) swam like a fish in swimming lessons, danced like a ladybug in ballet, and ran like a cheetah (when she felt like it) in soccer. She loves practicing her letters and drawing people. Our little Sunbeam!

I cherish motherhood, and freelance on the side. I loved coaching Sophie's soccer team, and even played in a women's rec league. This summer, I visited family in California and accepted a writing award in New York.

Michael continues to make his girls proud, working hard and serving as scout leader. He cycles daily before dawn (weather permitting) -- his "guy time." He made his way to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl and spent a football weekend in Chicago.

As a family, we visited Disneyland and packed in weekends at the cabin. We also watched vegetables grow (or not) in our new garden.

A family theme emerged this year -- gratitude. There were many reminders, both monumental and subtle, of just how lucky we are to have the simplest, but most important, things: our health, our livelihoods, our home, and our faith. Today and always, we are particularly thankful for you, the special people who positively impact our lives. Sincerely, we thank you.

Much love.

Impromptu tea party

2010-12-14T21:51:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned I love raising little girls? Since they were babbling babies, we've whispered to our daughters, "You are so beautiful... and smart." There is something so special, so magical about girlhood -- I feel like I was meant to mother girls. I believe in the potential and power of women, and they all start out the same: as little girls. I love watching my girls learn and grow. I savor those moments when they realize they're smart, when they sincerely believe they are beautiful, when they make a difference in the lives of others.

Then, there are the days like one we had last week, all frills and bows and sparkles. At the very last moment, we decided to set up a tea party in the nook while the baby napped.

But the table looked so empty.

We called a few mommies, and in moments, three princesses arrived in dress-ups. Too bad the planets (and preschool schedules) didn't align for her two little girlfriends down the street. Still, it was quite a collection of beads and boas.

Our Christmas angel, Hallelujah, was Grand Marshal.

Sophie's pink tinsel tree, tied with tulle and satin ribbon, was our centerpiece.

No time to bake! Peppermint brownies from the bakery, raspberries and yogurt from the fridge.

Pink lemonade in Fishs Eddy glasses I've treasured for years

After tea, the girls went downstairs for a "princess popcorn picnic" while watching a Christmas movie. Really I just laid a floral sheet on the floor so I didn't have to vacuum kernels after. Just as the characters in the movie lived "happily ever after," I think these princesses finished their impromptu tea party in bliss...

Covering Smart

2010-12-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

Front row of the "scrum"

It is always last minute, the call to book a piece for the network morning show. Never mind that the girls are upstairs in their jammies, asking for juice or crayons. I find a quiet place for a conference call with producers in New York and Los Angeles, who give me the details of my assignment.

This time, my assignment came right after a verdict was announced in the trial of the man who kidnapped and abused Elizabeth Smart. It was my job to hit all of the press conferences, identify compelling and key characters, and get them on the show -- then, follow up by managing the live shot the next morning. The network wanted the US Prosecuting Attorney, and I got them the jury foreman as well. I also negotiated with Ed Smart and the other networks to get him to New York for a live appearance.

I've always felt among news professionals, I've safely guarded a level of humanity and sensitivity that is easily chipped away as we cover so many horrific stories. Some of my colleagues have become sort of numb, similar to emergency personnel that see the same plane crashes and shootings we cover. It is understandable. Besides, we're supposed to remain neutral.

But this, this is a story of victory. A story of a young woman courageously surviving beyond a dark horror. A real life tale of strength.

Of all the women who endured what she did, most would be destroyed forever, and the rest, you'd hope, might turn out "okay." But as far as I can tell, Elizabeth is brilliant. She is bright, lovely and smart. She is not defeated, not destroyed. In the scrum of reporters, I stood mere feet from her as she made a statement outside the federal courthouse. Of course, I was there to do my job. Still, I also felt personally moved by her power, and inspired by the bright noble strength inherent in girls and women who truly know who they are.

"I'm so thrilled to stand before the people of America today and give hope to other victims who have not spoken out about what's happened to them. I hope that not only is this an example that justice can be served in America, but that it is possible to move on after something terrible has happened."

Joyful Noise

2010-12-08T15:36:00.000-08:00

There's a lot of talk this time of year about joyful noise. Singing angels and all that. Let me tell you about music to my ears.

Saturday morning. Headache. "Go rest," Mister says.

I cozy up under the duvet and try to fall asleep. Instead, I can hear down the hall to the kitchen. Mister is teaching Soph the delicate intricacies of creating perfect Cheesy Eggs. The baby is singing in the background from her high chair, and I can hear her throwing Cheerios onto the floor. With an air of authority, Daddy is telling Soph how the cheddar needs to go into the pan of scrambled eggs at just the right moment. I imagine she's nodding her head as she says "uh-huh, uh-huh." She's taking it all in.

"Wait, Daddy," she says. There's some commotion as she hops off the stool and runs off, then returns. "Aha!" he responds. "We needed a guest, didn't we? Let's put Purple Pony right here so she can follow along." The Cheesy Eggs tutorial continues with the My Little Pony and I smile in bed.

You can keep your Hallelujah Chorus of Angels and even your Who-ville Choir. This is my joyful noise.

2010-11-29T23:21:00.000-08:00

Our baby girl is a model! A few months ago, I sent her photo in for a contest, and she was chosen for the holiday line of the Naartjie Kids catalog and website.

My sister was visiting on the day of the shoot, so we were the "entourage." She wore two outfits, and each shoot took about fifteen minutes total -- just long enough to get the shot. The baby was a little overwhelmed by the attention from strangers doing crazy things to get her to smile, but near the last moment she really started to shine.

We have no plans for fame and fortune. After all, any money she'd make as a Disney star would be lost with the inevitable rehab that would follow. We did this so she'd always have a fun response to the awkward intro, "Tell us something interesting about yourself."

I got a few copies of the catalog, but didn't even realize they had her on the site until a friend alerted me.

Now, a teensy deposit to her college fund...

I Want This

2010-11-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

This is beautiful.

The music, the gorgeous outdoor setting, the awesome car, the kid with the curly hair whose pants are pulled up just a titch too high, the matriarch peacefully observing the mayhem, the mixed plaids, the dog, the table settings, the happy faces.

Simply gorgeous.

Thankful

2010-11-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

We had a fire this week.

On Tuesday night, as the children were snug in their beds, I settled on the couch with the holiday issue of Better Homes and Gardens to keep Mister company while he strung lights on the fresh cut tree. Out of nowhere, an alarm pierced the quiet. Then, another alarm.

Half annoyed, Mister hopped up to shut the system off at the control panel. I tiptoed behind. Before I hit the kitchen, he yelled "FIRE! FIRE!"

Oh. Dear. There were flames on our counter top. It was eerie. "What do I do?!" I screamed over the alarms and the babies crying down the hall. (answer in my head: hello?! stop standing there and grab the crying babies!) He didn't have time to respond to my panicked question or didn't notice. As the fire quickly multiplied, Mister grabbed the extinguisher from under the sink, pulled the pin, and totally killed that kitchen fire.

Ultimately, the damage was miraculously minimal. The counter top is t.o.a.s.t. It took us a few hours and some in-law reinforcements to clean up the huge mess from the extinguisher.

But I'm no dummy: we are lucky. Lucky to have a fire extinguisher near the site of the fire. Lucky for a functioning alarm system. Lucky to live with a quick thinking and fast moving hero. If the circumstances were even slightly different, we would have had a much bigger problem on our hands. We are fine.

At Thanksgiving, we fold our hands and bow our heads. We praise God for our bounty, our family and friends and the feast we're about to devour. We ask for continued protection over our associates and our homes. This year I added my own silent, personal message of focused gratitude and relief for not only all that we've been given, but what is daily preserved on our behalf.

P.S. Ironically, the song our little one learned at preschool last week:

Late last night when we were all in bed

Mrs. O'Leary left the lantern in the shed...

P.P.S. The fire had nothing to do with my cooking.

Our Kind of Funny

2010-11-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

Maybe nobody else will appreciate these moments, but I don't want to forget them -- little snippets that add a little extra smile to my daily life.

GOOD TO BE WITH YOU

After an exhausting day apart, I plopped on the couch with my husband.

"It feels good to be with you," I said.

"Imagine how great I must feel," he said. "I'm with me all the time."

DOUBTING MY WILLPOWER

ME: "I've got a goal for the holidays. No Phish Food until Christmas. Think I can do it?"

HIM: "Um. No."

Black Dragon Wolf Elephant Butterfly Pirates on Fire

2010-11-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my Black Dragon Wolf Elephant Butterfly Pirates on Fire, whose season record is a mystery. Fall season of kiddo's U5 soccer team is over and ... we did not make the playoffs. Actually, nobody did. U5 doesn't have playoffs.

I felt lucky to be their coach, though it wasn't exactly as I expected. We played just four on four. Quarters were six minutes each. No goalies, or even referees. Our team was pretty great, I gotta say. I think we only lost to the team with the super intense coach who used to play on the national team or something.

As for the team name, every kid wanted to name the team. So, I let them. Each week was another kid's turn to pick the name, and they got pretty creative. We never had the same team name twice!

Kiddo loves to run, to kick the ball. The competition part was a little tricky for her. She would rather do the running and kicking when she isn't so busy having a good time doing other stuff. She plays the game when she wants to. Frustrating, until I remembered...

Backyard Moments

2010-11-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Dear God,

I know we can't take much with us, and that's okay. But if you wouldn't mind terribly, I'd like to hang on to these moments from an autumn day with my baby girls in our backyard.

This one...

... and this one.

Thank you.

Etsy Crawling

2010-10-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

Raise your hand if you've ever wasted too much stupid time crawling Etsy finding beautiful things. While I should be getting our family photo outfits together (torture!), I'm instead mentally filing things under:

a. I really really want that.

b. I could totally make that. No, you couldn't -- you say that every time, then buy the supplies and get frustrated and don't make it. Really, I could totally make that.

Mark my words, these cowl neck warmer scarf thingies (like this one from flaxdesigns) are going to be all over the place this winter.

Everything at ouma is pretty pretty pretty.

Sweet vintage inspired ruffled badges from Bessarina.

You can find this print at The Wheatfield. I miss (my other) home state...

Learning Her Letters

2010-10-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Me, too, Honey. Me, too.

Soccer Moms

2010-10-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce you to the soccer moms.

No, I'm not referring to kiddie-carpool-drivers (although we do that, too). These soccer moms actually play.

This fall, I was invited to join a womens county rec soccer team. We were assigned super-intimidating matching baby blue t-shirts and named "The Defenders." Most of the team was over thirty and hadn't hit the field in a loooong time (or ever, in some cases).

We were assured we'd be up against other "mom teams" like ours -- not so. We about backed away slowly when we caught sight of the other teams, much younger and more competitive and had obviously played together before. It was a harrowing, hilarious moment.

We played teams like "The Tequilas" in pink, whom I'm pretty sure just showed up after their college team practice. When I was brave enough to admit to my teammates that I got nervous diarrhea before every game, it was a relief to hear the others did too.

I'd like to say we really showed those whippersnappers. Truth is, we got crushed. Every week. Totally creamed. 5-0, 7-0, 7-0... We never scored. Injuries, too: our coach tore her ACL in the first thirty seconds of play, I sat out two games with a sprained ankle, another girl sprained her ankle, and there were a bevy of bruises and ridiculously sore muscles.

But gosh, it was fun. And we got better. Still no scoring, but more confidence and less diarrhea and more fun.

Then our last game before playoffs, we actually held the teal team to no score in the first half -- and then the second. A TIE!

Guess who our opponents were for playoffs? The same teal team! "We can do this!" we told ourselves. "We can take 'em! We tied them last week, let's win this one! Let's get our first goal of the season in our last game!" We played our little mommy hearts out and same first half -- no score. Second half -- no score.

Because it was the playoffs, a tie wouldn't suffice, so we went to penalty kicks: three player from each team each got a chance for a one-on-one shot against the opposing goalie. Very strategic.

After one missed goal for our team and two for the others, I stepped up and asked for a chance. I scored a goal! Now I know why little kids expect a reward for scoring a soccer goal -- I was so proud of myself, I thought I deserved an ice cream sundae!

We ended up winning the game, but here's the funny part -- we hadn't anticipated staying late for Playoff Round 2, hadn't arranged babysitters. So we forfeited after all!

Ah well, next year. Back to babies and carpools and meal plans.

But not before teaching our kids important lessons, like how to make orange slice smiles.

This opportunity had a greater affect on us than we expected. Post-season, we talked about how young and healthy and happy we felt by participating in a competitive outdoor sport like we did as kids. And the positive benefits of teamwork weren't lost on us; we became better friends, more united. Plus, our kids thought we were celebrities. Looking forward to spring season -- and hoping we don't have to wear powder blue again.

Team name ideas, anyone?

Baby's First Haircut

2010-09-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

There wasn't much there to start, but still...

We took the baby to Cookie Cutters to get her baby-mullet tidied up. Big sister got a trim, too. Funny to see the two side-by-side, with different colors and lengths.

Photo of Lynn

2010-09-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your kind words (online and in person). I found this photo of Lynn with my brother and I on the day Boo was born. I know there are just a couple more. I'll have to dig them up, for those of you who knew her. I miss her all over again, but I actually feel really positive she's resting in peace.

Lynn

2010-09-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

My mom was only 19 when she married my father, a well-mannered naval commander ten years her senior. Barely an adult herself, she became the mother to his young daughter, Lynn. She was five years old, thin and blonde and quiet.

A few years later, babies -- us. My brother and sister and I were raised with Lynn as true siblings, "half" was never mentioned. Lynn was my sister. My mother loved that girl, took her to church and mother-daughter events and brushed her hair and included her accolades in our Christmas cards. Lynn helped with the kids, had friends over for sleep overs.

Lynn is sort of mysterious shadow in the first chapters of my biography. She was that teenager blurred in the corner of a photograph from my third birthday at McDonalds. She was in the background of a lot of pictures. I remember clearly, however, that she loved us. She was kind, she had a beautiful smile. She was well-dressed and popular.

When I dip into the furthest recesses of my mind, Lynn is a player in my very first childhood memory. My brother and I knocked on her bedroom door, and when she opened, we begged to come in. We were toddlers and she was a teenager. She could have told me to scram, but she let me in to play with her tea set. She made me feel so important.

You could look her life two ways: Lynn had a handful of opportunities or the poor little girl never stood a fighting chance. Lynn didn't know her real mother, and that deeply affected her. She was out of place in a family that was only sort of her own. Eventually, she gave up. At 16, she ran away from home and never came back. I think she must've been looking for somewhere to belong when really, we were right there.

I missed her. I remembered her birthday, January 17. Through the years, I only heard bits and pieces but it all amounted to a rough life. She had her first baby boy at 17, her second at 20. The news was usually disappointing, she made bad friends and got into trouble. I heard whispers she was in prison. Still, I wondered about the big sister I looked up to. I knew she had a good heart. I heard she married, but he wasn't a nice guy and they probably weren't married anymore. She wrote to my mom once -- she asked if I was a good girl and did I turn out to be a cheerleader. I fantasized about the day we'd reunite, but even as an investigative reporter I couldn't track her down.

Boo called me tonight. "I have some news," she said. "Lynn is found."

She told me our brother had been quietly looking for her for years, found an address and sent letters that were repeatedly returned to sender. He hunted online and her name popped up in the 2006 archives of a Missoula newspaper: her obituary.

I hung up and bawled into my pillow. "I should have done more," I sobbed to my husband. "I could have done more." I should have tried harder to find her, maybe we could have been friends.

I can't sleep. I keep crying. The mystery is over, Lynn is found. She remarried, had another son. As it turns out, she died a hero. A day at the lake, her son's friend couldn't stay afloat. She jumped in to save him, and suffered a sort of heart seizure. I hope deep down, she died knowing that little girl from 25 years ago really loved her.

So there. The pieces all fit together now. So why do I feel like a little something inside of me is missing?

Another First Day of School!

2010-09-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

Spring Dance Recital

2010-08-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Some images from Kiddo's "Bug's Ball" ballet recital.

At this age you never know how they'll react to the big stage and bright lights, especially because her studio did all of the prep work -- parents were not allowed backstage for pictures or dressing. I heard stories of kids who refused to dress in costume, or even those who insisted on not going on stage at all.

We knew our daughter's class would first appear on stage in a single file line for the dancer's "parade," a walk across the stage to get them comfortable with the sights and sounds before their actual routine. I'm going to let you guess who came bursting out at the front of the line...

She reminded me of a barrel-racing horse at a rodeo -- the ones they hold back in the pen, so they're amped up before shooting out the gate. She was so crazy happy to be on stage, it confirmed I made the right decision to take her to dance class week in and week out. She really loves to perform.

I had to include her "studio" shot (remember, no parents backstage), because I thought the backdrop and props were more than slightly comical.

* She just saw this post and said, "Remember how cute, I sat on that flower?"

Bug Passes Swim Lessons

2010-08-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

Buggy paddled and kicked her way through our first summer of organized swim. She started as a beginner for the Country Club swim lessons, and after three sessions, she graduated from Level 2. She loved her instructors, Amanda and Scott. Loved swimming under water, floating on her back like a starfish and starting to dive head first in the water. She even loved the deep end -- until she saw another child who was a little nervous, and decided she ought be a little nervous, too! Every day for six weeks, the baby and I joined her at the pool, then stayed for lunch and swimming until nap time. Needless to say, we got a lot of sun this summer!

Side note: remember how we had to wait out of the pool after eating for 30 minutes to avoid cramps? So funny.

Standups Video

2010-07-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

You know in news stories, that one spot in the middle where the reporter shows up to personally explain the concept they're presenting? In the "biz" that's called a standup. And when a reporter applies for a new job, their resume reel almost always starts with a standup montage. Here's mine.

P.S. Don't laugh at my hair in that one. I know it is bad, okay?
P.P.S. Yeah, I'm pregnant in that one. Shrug. What to do?

The Birthday Package

2010-07-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Auntie Boo, for the birthday package -- filled with TJ yogurt stars and Hello Kitty paraphanelia and these yummy suckers!

Bug's 4th Birthday

2010-06-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Kiddo asked for a Fish Party -- and this is what we came up with!

We had our slip and slide going, which has turned into an unintentional yearly tradition. Mister created a Go Fish carnival game out of a big cardboard box, and the kids dipped a magnetized fishing pole to get their snack: goldfish crackers and tuna sandwiches.

Then the kids lined up by the water table to take turns catching real live goldfish that they got to take home in mason jars with a little fish food as a party favor. Miraculously, no live animals were harmed in the production of this party (although, from all accounts, it was a different story once the little guys made it to their respective homes). I apologized to the parents for sending their kids home with a lesson in mortality.

A few more of the party details:

The invitation was on glittery wave paper. Using a sewing machine and gold colored thread, I sewed a "net" to the bottom to hold the die-cut goldfish with the printed party details.

I used mason jars for decor, tied with blue striped ribbon and gold ric-rac with a classic red and white fishing bobber hooked on. I filled some with multicolored gummy Swedish Fish, and others I left empty -- for the kids' real live fishies.

I used orange punch in Ikea fish-shaped ice cube trays to make floating fishies in blue "ocean" punch.

Butterfly's birthday was in June, too. I'm working on moving the details of her party to this site, but until I do, you can see the rundown here: http://www.cabinessa.com/2010/06/up-first-birthday-party.html

St. George Weekend

2010-06-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

We recently celebrated the marriage of Mister's childhood friend at her family's beautiful home in St. George. Our family made the most of the weekend...

Stayed at the Inns at Entrada; it completely thrilled Kiddo to swim in the HSM2 pool.

She also loved the cool jetted tubs with colored lights. Already a spa lover!

We took Kiddo to Tarzan at Tuacahn -- what a treat! The outdoor theater was spectacular, and the show was fantastic!

Funny moment: after we caught one of my YW in the Tuacahn pre-show, Kiddo actually hopped on the stage and did an impromptu show herself.

Another highlight: Mister and I took our bikes up Snow Canyon, sweaty but fun!

Friends

2010-05-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

To like and dislike the same things, that is indeed true friendship.

Sallust, (86 BC - 34 BC)

Photos of the Month

2010-05-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

Since I'm avoiding craploads of laundry (literally. c'mon, I've got a baby.), I'm catching up on the family blog by posting my favorite photos of the last month.

Happy Baby

Unhappy Kangaroo

Crazy Cousin

Super Bouncer

Super-er Bouncer

First Tow of Spring

My Dream Man

2010-05-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

I've dreamed about my wedding since I was a little girl. No, really. I have had real, vivid dreams at night. Clear as the crystal goblets we toasted with, in each dream I felt as though I was actually there.

The circumstances varied each time, from cutting our cake to posing with our family on the damp steps of the Salt Lake Temple. I could see every detail -- the swirls of white frosting, the layers of satin, the sea of loving faces. I could feel my new husband lace his arm around my waist, could see the black fibers of his tuxedo jacket as I snuggled close. In each dream, I anxiously looked up give him a smile. But no matter how hard I tried, I could never see his face. Just a blank spot. I could smell, see, feel every particular of my wedding day except the most important one: the who.

These dreams continued into adulthood. When they came, I even tried occasionally to fill that blank with the face of whomever I was dating at the time -- never fit. Eventually, after romantic disappointments and career success, I gave up trying to figure out who my dream (or real life) groom might be. I figured the dreams were some sort of subconscious fantasy I might potentially never see in real life. Shrug.

Then, one night, I dreamed about our first dance. I heard the music and the clinking of forks and the hum of soft, friendly conversation. I saw our guests circle around the dance floor; the little girls rushed to sit in the front for the best view. My satin high heels tip-tapped on the wood until I met my groom in the middle of the room. He held me so close I could smell his cologne and see the orchid on his lapel. Why bother to look up and see his face? I was in bliss. Still, I was so close. One last time, I peeked up and saw... a familiar face.

I recognized those soft dimples, rosy cheeks and warm green eyes. Those broad shoulders and that thick, perfect brown hair. He smiled and I cried. He filled in the blank. He was that boy I just met at church. I couldn't even remember his name.

When I woke up, I played it off as a fluke, a mind trick. After all, I hardly knew the guy. Eventually, I forgot altogether.

A year and half later, I was planning my own real life wedding. Chicken or Beef? Salmon, I said. Roses or Ranunculus? Orchids, I said. Dancing? Yes, I said. But people in Utah don't dance at weddings, I was told. But we will, I countered. I couldn't even place why I fought so hard to have dancing at my wedding.

Then, this moment:

Don't ever tell me dreams don't come true.

Happy 5th Anniversary to that boy I met at church. You have filled in all the blanks. I love you.

Identity Crisis

2010-05-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Or "The Curse of a Jack of All Trades, but Master of None"

Or "Feeling Mediocre in an Expert World"

Someone asked me today: "If you had a business card, what would it say?" Got me thinking. I've had similar questions before... What do you do? What is your passion? What is your area of expertise? Who are you? (That last one was from an animated caterpillar, so I won't let it bother me)

To be frankly and vulnerably honest,

I Dunno.

Take, for example, the mix of weird jobs I've held in my lifetime:

livestock caretaker
youth soccer referee
cashier at a rugged general store in the Sierra Nevadas
rural homeless shelter/food bank admin
fragrance model and makeup counter manager
pageant coach
seminary teacher
newspaper, magazine and television reporter
network news field producer
mother and wife (i.e. nurse, cook, interior designer, hair stylist, wardrobe manager, maid)

I don't have one focus. There are a great many things I have a passion for that I'm okay at: raising and inspiring girls, wife-ing Michael (depending on the day), having home that's pleasant and color-coordinated and organized (depending on the room), sincerely encouraging others to achieve their potential. I love serious, wild, adventurous travel. I love throwing parties. I love cooking, sewing and crafting. I love to be outside. I love fashion.

I could talk for hours (or blog) about any of those things. But, I wouldn't consider myself the best at any one of them particularly. Or anything, for that matter. How can I be a little bit of all of those things? My friend calls me the human encyclopedia. How do you market that?

Michael sweetly reminds me I'm a d*#n good reporter. I (humbly) suppose that's it. I do love to write. I love to meet all kinds of people, hear their stories and share those stories with others. I love to ask penetrating questions and learn new things. But... what do I do with that? How sexy is being a good writer? Writers wear cords and live with cats and like quiet music and watch Jim Leher NewsHour.

Readers -- Am I the only one who has trouble defining herself on a business card? Or who feels like there's always someone better than me at any of the things I think I'm decent at?

This summer, I'm attending BlogHer in New York City. I have a strong feeling there's an important reason I'm supposed to be there, but not sure why. You see, the women there have twitter fans and sponsorships. They have supercool screen names that say something about who they are, like Design*Sponge and Pioneer Woman and MizFit. They have a specialty. They have an identity.

So, maybe that darn caterpillar is getting under my skin after all.

Easter Dress Photos

2010-04-14T09:16:00.001-07:00

Another fun day with Jenni. She also took photos of my Cabin Can-Can Skirt, which you can see on my other blog.

One Little Corner

2010-04-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

I've got piles of laundry to sort and stacks of dishes to load-unload-load-unload. But any time the clutter gets to me, when I feel like I'm not accomplishing enough around the house... I'll just open my spice cabinet and take a deep, satisfied breath.

The laundry, the dishes... I'll get to it all eventually. It is all just One Little Corner at a time.

BEFORE

AFTER

The Unintentional Time Capsule

2010-04-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

When my mom came down recently, she brought with her two plastic bins of stuff. "This is yours," she announced, then rode off into the sunset.

Oh, I did not want to open those bins. I figured it was just a bunch of junk my poor little junior high heart thought was too valuable to part with so long ago (that leather bracelet from Girls Camp or the collection of school dance photos I traded with friends). There was, actually, a lot of that. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't head to the D.I. Donation Center pronto.

But there were a few treasures, too. Those bins were like an unintentional time capsule, a collection of random bits of the wacky childhood of a silly romantic motivated country girl.

There were the expecteds: school photos, newspaper clippings, a prescription from my pediatrician on my first day of life.

There are some nearly unexplainable things, too. Like an unopened birthday card from my best friend with a 10 year-old Old Navy gift card inside (still valid, I checked). And a few of these old gals (below). Once worn with distinction. Now they're very appropriately in Sophie's dress-up box. Lucky girl... didn't even have to do pivot-turns in sequins on stage to earn them. Kids these days have it so easy.

And then, in a random twist, the registration papers for one of my favorite dairy goats. I know, I'm weird. Michael told me so when he saw this. "They make good pets, y'know," I told him all defensively. "They eat your weeds and stuff." He rolled his eyes. I loved my goats. Yes, I milked them every day. No, I didn't drink it. Too close to home, I guess.

Then, the ultimate score for my lovely assistant:

That time capsule brought back a lot of memories of who I once was... a goat milker, a beauty queen. I learned to drive on our long gravel driveway. I sold a pig at the County Fair (and competitively showed my horses and won a blue ribbon for my mint brownies and sang the national anthem). I was the Cheer Captain that drove a big old 4x4 (I wondered why the boys liked to park next to me on uniform day). Whatevs. I should write a book. In fact, maybe I will.

IMDB

2010-03-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Is anybody else constantly checking this site? Michael and I obsessively use IMDB to settle "who is that guy, and what else has he been in?" disputes while watching television. The little trivia tidbits (like pointing out a movie's continuity errors) are fun, too. Love it.

Easter Egg Cupcakes

2010-03-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

You may know my "thing" for cupcakes. And Easter... well, for some reason this year I'm particularly pumped. So in one of those 2am fits of inspiration, I came up with this:

Easter Egg Cupcakes

Start with white cake batter... from scratch or mix, you decide. Because I wanted the Cupcake Egg "white" particularly white, I used a formula that called for egg whites only. Separate one cup of the batter in another bowl and add yellow (4 drops) and red (2 drops) food coloring to make a bright orange "yolk" so it doesn't fade after baking.

Fill the cups about half full with white batter, then gently add a spoonful of orange batter to the center. Get it? Looks like an egg, right?

Now, that's what I call a perfect dozen.

Cover with more white cake batter. Fill pretty darn near the top of the cup, so when they come out they're round like eggs.

Follow baking instructions, set your egg timer, and... done!

No joke, this one truly and honestly cracked open. Ten little three year old fingers might have had something to do with it...

Just do me a favor. After your eggs are cooked, use your freshest and brightest spring decorations to "dye" and embellish your Easter Egg Cupcakes!

Variation Suggestions:

For a party centerpiece, place the cupcakes in an Easter basket filled with grass and other goodies.
Help guests know where to sit at an Easter Brunch table by creating name cards on toothpicks as cupcake toppers, then place "egg" in an edible nest beside each plate.
Planning a Green Eggs and Ham lesson for school (or to cure a finicky eater)? Use green food coloring for the "whites" to make green eggs.

* Prepare for overlap: I'm also posting this on www.cabinessa.com

This is Life

2010-03-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.

(Crowfoot)

Hot Pink

2010-03-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

I can now mark #6 off my list.

Martin Visit

2010-03-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

These guys came to visit last week:

My brother, his wife and kids travelled from out of state for a 24-hour visit. We'd like to think they came just to play with us. But, they actually came to retrieve the new addition to their family. Meet Lola:

Even in such a short span of time, they managed to squeeze in a lot of cousin, well, squishiness.

We headed to the zoo just before they swept out of town.

See you next time!

Too Normal

2010-03-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid Utah is becoming altogether too... normal.

First, this:

... and now, this?

What's next, people... Tito's?! What used to be special stops for us on road trips and visits back home have become mainstream in Utah. Part of me is pumped for the easier access, but the rest of me is befuddled. Is nothing sacred anymore?

Then again, I am a member of the "Bring Trader Joe's to Salt Lake City" facebook group...